Discover Vietnam from the North to the South with the amazing landscapes. Enjoy Vietnam beaches and cruise along to see the best of the country. Such as Ha Long Bay, Cua Dai beach, Nha Trang beach.... In this trip you do not only experience the most beautiful beaches but also have the opportunity to know more about Vietnamese history and Vietnamese culture.

This 11 day trip can be reversed starting from Ho Chi Minh City and ending in Hanoi.

ITINERARY

DAY 1: HANOI ARRIVAL

Arriving in Hanoi (Noi Bai airport), you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel for check-in (hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in). The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the tree-lined boulevards, French Indochinese architecture and tranquil lakes of this unique city.
Stay overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 2: HANOI CITY TOUR (B, L, -)

08h30 You will be picked up from your hotel lobby and depart for the city tour with visit to the One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. This structure is one of Vietnam's most iconic temples. Close by is the mausoleum of the historic figure and father of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (viewed from outside; closed Mon and Fri and from Oct-Nov) and the former presidents house on stilts where he lived from 1958 to 1969, his former home illustrates the modesty of this Vietnamese revolutionary.
Continue your visit to the Taoist Temple (Quan Thanh Temple) which is dedicated to Tran Vu, one of the principal deities in Taoism or visit Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda, was built in the sixth century (means “Stabilizing the Nation”). Lunch will be had in one of the city's finest restaurants.

After lunch visit the Temple of Literature - Vietnam's first university, also referred to as Van Mieu, was established within a temple to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. The university functioned for an incredible 700 years and its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam's past.

Next we go to visit Hanoi Old Quarter also known as the '36 streets'. Take a walking tour around Hoan Kiem Lake. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It's a great place to explore life-style of Hanoians, culture or architecture with plenty of photo opportunities all around you.
Stay overnight in Hanoi.

Following breakfast leave Hanoi for a 3hs 30mins drive to Halong Bay including a 20-minutes stop on the way. Arrive at your jetty in Halong City towards noon and proceed with check-in formalities. After your welcome onboard, a lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay itself.

In the afternoon, enjoy some visits and/or activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time relaxing on board. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board.
Stay overnight on board.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch and Dinner on board.

DAY 4: HA LONG BAY - HANOI - FLIGHT TO DANANG - HOI AN (B, L, -)

Rising to the sound of lapping bay waters, we have time for an early morning dip followed by breakfast. Sitting on the upper deck, you can relax while taking in the breath-taking beauty of the rocky islands rising from the emerald water of the bay. On your return to Halong City enjoy a wholesome brunch as your boat wends through strange-shaped limestone rock formations. Upon disembarkation your driver will meet you for the transfer back to Hanoi.

17h00 Arrive at your hotel.

Your leisure time until transfer to Noi Bai airport for the short flight to the central port city of Danang. On arrival in Danang airport you will be met then taken 45-minute transfer by private car to Hoi An, a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the years.

Arrive in Hoi An and check in your hotel.

Stay overnight in Hoi An.

Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch on board.

DAY 5: HOI AN - MY SON HOLY LAND - HOI AN (B, L, -)

08h30 You will be picked up for 50km drive southwest from Hoi An to visit My Son Holy Land, a World Heritage. It comprises many Champa temples, in a valley roughly two kilometers wide, surrounded by two mountain ranges. It was the site of religious ceremony of kings of the Champa dynasty, and was also a burial place of Champa royals and national heroes. The My Son temple complex is one of the foremost temple complexes of Hinduism in South East Asia and is the foremost heritage site of this nature in Vietnam. Though the complex has been destroyed over time, we still see many majestic ancient ruins of temples in the area.

10h30 Enjoy traditional music show (30 minute duration) then return to Hoi An for lunch after a relaxing break.

After lunch and break take a walking tour of the ancient town centre to visit former merchants’ houses, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese communal hall and the colorful market. Hoi An is a destination with two faces – the charming, old-world trading port of narrow streets and traditional houses, and the beach with its new resorts and long stretch of clean white sand. In keeping with Hoi An’s heritage as a trading port, the town’s tiny shop houses now host a range of craft shops and artisans including some of Asia’s best bespoke tailors. Despite the passing of 200 years and the ravages of weather and war, the centre of Hoi An remains much the same as it was in its heyday.

Around the town we can see a numerous art galleries and tailor shops, get some made-to-order clothes if you like. Return to your hotel where the full day trip ends.

Stay overnight in Hoi An.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel and Lunch at a local restaurant.

DAY 6: HOI AN (B, -)

The day free to relax by the pool or on the sandy beach or wander the streets and discover Hoi An (Cua Dai beach is 3km far from Hoi An town). Many activities available such as swimming at the beach, walking, cycling… are surely make your stay here an unforgettable holiday.Stay overnight in Hoi An.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel.

DAY 7: HOI AN - DANANG - FLIGHT TO NHA TRANG (B, -)

Have this morning at leisure for last minute shopping or sighseeing on your own until transfer to Danang airport for one hour flight to Nha Trang - the beach capital of Vietnam also well known for its beaches and scuba diving.

Arrive at Cam Ranh airport where you will be met then taken 45-minute transfer by private car to your hotel in Nha Trang. Rest of the day is at your leisure.

Stay overnight in Nha Trang.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel.

DAY 8: NHA TRANG ISLANDS & SNORKELLING TOUR (B, L, -)

08h30 Depart from your hotel to Cau Da port. Embark on a boat trip to Mun Island - the best island for snorkeling where you can see lots of lives colorful corals and fish. Then go to Mot Island for fishing, relaxing, swimming & doing water sports or other activities (optional). Next we go to Con Se Tre Island where a delicious lunch of seafood is served.
After lunch, you can relax and sunbathe on a deck chair in a hut or on the beach while drinking Vietnamese coffee.
15h00 Return to the harbour where the bus awaits to bring you back to your hotel. Have dinner on your own and free in the evening.
Stay overnight in Nha Trang.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel and Lunch on Con Se Tre Island.

DAY 9: NHA TRANG - FLIGHT TO HO CHI MINH CITY (B, -)

The morning is free to relax by the pool or on the sandy beach. It is not only the blissful beaches and glorious coastline that define Nha Trang. There are some more sedate activities on offer beyond the waters. Try an old-school spa treatment with a visit to a mudbath or explore centuries-old Cham towers still standing in the centre of town. Or throw culture to the wind and experience Vinpearl Land, Nha Trang’s attempt at Disneyworld. Nha Trang has something for everyone.

Early afternoon transfer to Cam Ranh airport for 55-minute flight to dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by the locals. Upon arrival to Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat International Airport) you will be picked up and transferred through the city to your hotel for check-in. The busy city of Saigon, used to be the capital of South Vietnam, is the biggest commercial and cultural centre of Vietnam. Free and easy.

This morning, leave bustling Ho Chi Minh for the 2 hour drive to the delta town of Cai Be. The local traditional wooden boats, vast emerald rice fields and lush back waterways; these are the things that make Cai Be such a desired destination.

On arrival board your boat for a cruise of Cai Be floating market. Traders work the river and some have been living on these waters for generations. Produce at the market are hung on a pole in front of boats to attract customers and make it easier for people to see from afar what is on offer. Immerse yourself in a world of lush vegetation from the Mekong Delta as you pick through the fascinating and lively market, watching buyers bargaining for produce.

After visiting the market continue to a cottage factory where ‘pop-rice’, rice paper and coconut candies are made. Return to the boat for the cruise to Tan Phong Island. Next, take a rowing boat along the maze of shady canals. Head for a local orchard to enjoy the local tropical fruits, and visit artisan workshops to see the handicraft producers of the village at work.

Break for lunch at an orchard garden. Lunch will be local Mekong style serving specialties of the area. Afterwards, you will ride bicycles to villages, sightseeing and soaking up the rural ambiance or enjoy cooking class. If you prefer to relax, you can laze in a hammock.

The day is free to explore the city as you wish or take one of the optional excursions available. Transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport for your onward flight (pick up from your hotel three hours prior to your flight departure time).

The tour ends.

TOUR PRICES:

Hotel Category

2013 Price per person in US$ in party of:

02

03

04-06

07-10

11-15

Standard Class

694 US$

591 US$

540 US$

499 US$

457 US$

Superior Class

841 US$

737 US$

687 US$

646 US$

603 US$

Deluxe Class

1077 US$

973 US$

923 US$

882 US$

839 US$

Luxury Class

1249 US$

1146 US$

1095 US$

1054 US$

1012 US$

INCLUDES:
- Full transportation by private air conditioned vehicle as tour program indicated (shared bus of 2 day Halong tour).
- All entrance fees as mentioned in the program.
- Boat trips as stated in above sights (shared boat of 2 day Halong tour).
- All excursion trips and activities as tour program indicated.
- Local English-speaking guides (for other languages supplements apply).
- Meals as stated in the program (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
- Accommodation in shared twin or double bedded room with air-condition and private bathroom.
- Mineral water and chilled tissue served on trip.
- The written approval letter for a visa on arrival (single entry).

EXCLUDES:
- Visa stamping fee on arrival (45 US$ per person).
- All air tickets not mentioned in the program and above quotation.
- Optional tours.
- Surcharges for other language guides.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Personal expenditure, such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, camera fees, communications, postage, gratuities etc…
- Meals and services other than mentioned in the program.
- Drinks with meals.
- Early check-in and late check-out at hotels, if not mentioned in the program.

HOTELS IN USE:
The following listed Hotels will be used according to the confirmed travel plan. When the confirmed hotels are not available, Viet Highlights Travel can replace the hotels with the same standard upon your agreement.

NOTE:
- Prices may vary according to your travel time and are higher in the high season, e.g. Christmas period (Dec 24-26), New Year period (Dec 31-Jan 02).
- For additional hotel night cost to the packages, please contact us for the rates.
- The prices above are based on two persons sharing one room. If you prefer a single room on your own, please pay single room supplement as follows:

Hotel Category

Price per person in US dollars for 10 night stay

Standard Class

300 US$

Superior Class

533 US$

Deluxe Class

945 US$

Luxury Class

1244 US$

- Domestic flights of Hanoi-Danang, Danang-Nha Trang & Nha Trang-Ho Chi Minh City at extra cost US$ per person/ 3 routes on request (subject to availability at the time of final confirmation).
- This tour package can be fully customizable to fit your travel plan. You can also disregard full package tours and choose whatever travel items you need or a mix of private and group tours to minimize the cost. We can quote the tours you really want. Usually travel insurance is not covered in our quotations.
- Keep your luggage and money by yourself.
- Inform in advance if you are vegetarian.
- Take original passports, good and comfortable trekking shoes, insect repellent, torches, sun scream, towels, rain gear and extra warm clothes. All customers must obey the order of your guide for your safety.

NOTE:
- Child definition: from age of 3 to 9 Years (usually enjoying 10%-20% discount. Contact us for the actual discount for your case). 10 Years old and above will be charged as Adult Price.
- All tours & transfers are all based in English Speaking local guides. For other languages, please contact us for new quotations.
- Itinerary Change to the confirmed itinerary may happen because of traffic, weather, or any other conditions not under our control such as war, strike, fire, acts of government, riot, etc. We will do our best to make sure that all the travel will be similar. Viet HighlightsTravel can substitute the itinerary upon your agreement.
- Transportation and Restaurants: The cars, vans or coaches for the land transportation should be in good shape with air conditioner. All restaurants should be tidy and clean.